In April we reported on the good stewardship story of the local church that decided to develop its land in the western Bay of Plenty to provide much-needed housing for older people and people with chronic health conditions. In 2023, Te Puke Baptist Church voted unanimously to start The Jabez Initiative, a charitable company that would build Evergreen House – Whare Katoa. The project is now complete:
Josiah Carr is Senior Pastor at Te Puke Baptist Church.
On 24th August, Te Puke Baptist Church held the opening celebration of the Evergreen House development. It was a significant moment of giving thanks for God’s faithfulness and provision, honouring the many people involved in the construction of the units, and recognising the wider story of hope and renewal this development is part of. Evergreen House represents TPBC’s faith in action, turning a vision of using some land we had, into tangible care and transformation for some of the vulnerable in our community.
The project came to completion through partnership with the Jabez Initiative, the trust formed to help carry this vision forward. Their role was vital in enabling the development to become a reality, the reminder that gospel-renewal projects flourish when God’s people work together.
The service included a short message centred on the good news of Jesus proclaimed in Luke 4, reminding us that the gospel brings freedom, renewal, and restoration to individuals and communities. The weather cleared in perfect timing for one of our kaumātua to bless and pray over the units. Each doorway was anointed, asking the Spirit to make these homes a blessing to all who will live in them.
Local government representatives and MPs also joined the celebration, before the day concluded with a shared lunch where whānau, leaders, and guests gave thanks for all God has done through Evergreen House.
Photo credit: supplied by Josiah Carr
